Preview — Rules of Engagement
by Bruce Alexander

Rules of Engagement

When Lord Lammermoor plunges to his death from Westminster Bridge before a dozen witnesses, his death is ruled a suicide. But his fatal leap coincides with the arrival of Dr. Goldsworthy--a student of the famous Dr. Anton Mesmer and his research into animal magnetism. Sir John's suspicions grow when he learns that Goldsworthy's patron in London is none other than the beautWhen Lord Lammermoor plunges to his death from Westminster Bridge before a dozen witnesses, his death is ruled a suicide. But his fatal leap coincides with the arrival of Dr. Goldsworthy--a student of the famous Dr. Anton Mesmer and his research into animal magnetism. Sir John's suspicions grow when he learns that Goldsworthy's patron in London is none other than the beautiful Lady Lammermoor. And the deeper Jeremy investigates the Lammermoor family, the more suspects he discovers who stand to gain from Lord Lammermoor's death....more

What a wonderful ending of a wonderful series. Bruce Alexander sadly passed away (2003) before this book was completed. However, according to the book flap his wife complied her husband's notes and rough draft material and managed to complete the series with the help of John Shannon. I think I noticed a few style differences in #11 from the others, but it just may have been simply Alexander wrapping things up. I do not know whether his intentions were: furthering or ending the series. I DO know What a wonderful ending of a wonderful series. Bruce Alexander sadly passed away (2003) before this book was completed. However, according to the book flap his wife complied her husband's notes and rough draft material and managed to complete the series with the help of John Shannon. I think I noticed a few style differences in #11 from the others, but it just may have been simply Alexander wrapping things up. I do not know whether his intentions were: furthering or ending the series. I DO know that is was a good and reasonable ending simply because certain characters were growing older and going on to better things. It is also 1775, the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Another new beginning for the United Kingdom, therefore a good time to conclude a series.Each book is based on a segment of history or centers on part of a social situation within the times. Each time we get to learn more about the main characters and grow. I am sad to bide them goodbye but am satisfied that all will be well and life will go on to better things beyond the pages....more

I am sad to be at the end of this series which was one of my favorites. I'm also grateful to John Shannon and Bruce Alexander's wife for finishing this book following the death of the author. I did, however find some of their writing style to be strange such as several times where they would say "I made haste to the spot and witnessed this: ..." or "This reader, is what followed: ...". I haven't read any of John Shannon's books so I'm not sure if this is the way he writes, but it seemed awkward.I am sad to be at the end of this series which was one of my favorites. I'm also grateful to John Shannon and Bruce Alexander's wife for finishing this book following the death of the author. I did, however find some of their writing style to be strange such as several times where they would say "I made haste to the spot and witnessed this: ..." or "This reader, is what followed: ...". I haven't read any of John Shannon's books so I'm not sure if this is the way he writes, but it seemed awkward. Despite that minor complaint, I enjoyed this book very much and will greatly miss Sir John and Jeremy....more

Picked up eight of this 11 part series in a second hand bookshop in Hay for £1 each, so quite a bargain! Generally enjoyed the series overall. This is the last book and it sounds like the author died before finishing, but left plot notes. It does feel as though the ending is by someone different. On the plus side they correctly use 'kerb' for the edge of the pavement (although this isn't corrected in the early part of the book oddly) but the ending feels a bit unsatisfactory for the main plot anPicked up eight of this 11 part series in a second hand bookshop in Hay for £1 each, so quite a bargain! Generally enjoyed the series overall. This is the last book and it sounds like the author died before finishing, but left plot notes. It does feel as though the ending is by someone different. On the plus side they correctly use 'kerb' for the edge of the pavement (although this isn't corrected in the early part of the book oddly) but the ending feels a bit unsatisfactory for the main plot and also a bit too soppy and sentimental....more

This would take the reader to the world of Mesmerism and the Occult and of course, murder. As this is, at present, the final book from this author published posthumously, it is but fitting to have Jeremy's and Clarissa's wedding within its pages given the event's inevitability. And so I say a tearful Good~bye to them as well as to Sir John Fielding and the rest of the beloved characters and to their Creator... who will forever live in the written word and in the memories of those readers who appThis would take the reader to the world of Mesmerism and the Occult and of course, murder. As this is, at present, the final book from this author published posthumously, it is but fitting to have Jeremy's and Clarissa's wedding within its pages given the event's inevitability. And so I say a tearful Good~bye to them as well as to Sir John Fielding and the rest of the beloved characters and to their Creator... who will forever live in the written word and in the memories of those readers who appreciate a good evocative murder mystery and I liked them all... all 11 of them......more

What a disappointing book. I think I just may be done with this series (voluntarily dropping out). lSo many side-tangents that had nothing to do with the story (dare I say "filler"?; so much ignorance on Jeremy's part - has he REALLY learned nothing over all these years? So many bad decisions by Jeremy, and his garbled explanation what went on during his Mesmerizing event. Bah!!! Humbug!!!

Sir John Fielding was a real person, the man who created the first London police force in 1750 with his brother Henry. Although blind, he served as magistrate in London after his brother's death and continued to develop some of the methods modern police forces still use, such as keeping files of criminal records.

Journalist Bruce Alexander Cook, writing as Bruce Alexander, began a series of mysteries featuring the "Blind Beak of Bow Street" and the young orphan he begins to train as an investigatSir John Fielding was a real person, the man who created the first London police force in 1750 with his brother Henry. Although blind, he served as magistrate in London after his brother's death and continued to develop some of the methods modern police forces still use, such as keeping files of criminal records.

Journalist Bruce Alexander Cook, writing as Bruce Alexander, began a series of mysteries featuring the "Blind Beak of Bow Street" and the young orphan he begins to train as an investigator and lawyer, Jeremy Proctor. Blind Justice was published in 1994 and followed by nine other Sir John Fielding mysteries before Cook's death in 2003. Rules of Engagement was partially complete, and Cook's widow Judith Aller and writer John Shannon finished it and used it to finish the series as well, publishing it in 2005.

Lord Lammermoor has leapt to his death from the Westminster Bridge and the coroner has ruled "death by misadventure." But his good friend, the Lord Chief Justice, can't accept the ruling and asks Sir John to investigate, which he and Jeremy do. They find themselves following a shadowy trail through those who follow the science of Anton Mesmer and trying to crack open secrets hidden in the highest levels of English society.

The mystery has Cook's usual ear for period dialogue, careful research and old-world touches such as addressing the reader directly now and again. The resolution following, which is probably the part undertaken by Aller and Shannon, has some of the flair but not the flow of the rest of the novel. But the pair are to be thanked for offering some resolution for the characters rather than leaving them hanging, and they do a better job than many might.

All eleven volumes are delightful reads, full of historical detail, Georgian features, fun characters and twisty mysteries. Rules doesn't sit at the top of the heap, but it is a satisfactory and proper conclusion to the Fielding series which leaves readers in the way it should: Sad the show is over but very very glad they came.

This is the 11th and final installment in the Sir John Fielding series, the author sadly passed away in 2005. Sir John Fielding was a real-life historical figure in late 18th Century London, a blind magistrate who founded the Bow Street Runners, London’s first organized police force, and makes for an extraordinary protagonist in this author’s hands.

The books are “written” by the fictional character, Jeremy Proctor, a young man who was adopted by Fielding as a boy and an orphan - and among other This is the 11th and final installment in the Sir John Fielding series, the author sadly passed away in 2005. Sir John Fielding was a real-life historical figure in late 18th Century London, a blind magistrate who founded the Bow Street Runners, London’s first organized police force, and makes for an extraordinary protagonist in this author’s hands.

The books are “written” by the fictional character, Jeremy Proctor, a young man who was adopted by Fielding as a boy and an orphan - and among other duties serves as Fielding’s diarist, clerk and occasionally guide. These are great historical mysteries capturing time and place very effectively.

Rules of Engagement begins with the death of a member of the House of Lords, intimately involved with the American Colonies, who inexplicably throws himself off the Westminster Bridge. It appears to be suicide but once Sir John and Jeremy get involved they smell a rat and a full investigation is launched. All of the characters from the previous books get involved leading to a surprising conclusion. Because of these recurring characters I’d suggest reading the earlier books – or at the very least the first in the series, Blind Justice, before picking this one up.

This is a very good book and very good series – particularly if you are a fan of historical mysteries....more

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (Amateur Sleuth-London-1700s) – VGAlexander, Bruce – 11th, and final, bookPutnam, 2005- HardcoverSir John Fielding and Jeremy Procter look into the sudden death of Lord Lammermoor, a member of the House of Lords. Lammermoor was walking across Westminster Bridge when he suddenly goes to the edge, and throws himself over in an apparent suicide. Or is it? Questions arise and the pair is interested to learn that Lady Lammermoor is a patron of Dr. Goldworthy, a practitioner of aniRULES OF ENGAGEMENT (Amateur Sleuth-London-1700s) – VGAlexander, Bruce – 11th, and final, bookPutnam, 2005- HardcoverSir John Fielding and Jeremy Procter look into the sudden death of Lord Lammermoor, a member of the House of Lords. Lammermoor was walking across Westminster Bridge when he suddenly goes to the edge, and throws himself over in an apparent suicide. Or is it? Questions arise and the pair is interested to learn that Lady Lammermoor is a patron of Dr. Goldworthy, a practitioner of animal magnetism as introduced by Dr. Anton Mesmer.*** Sadly, Bruce Alexander passed on before the final edit of this book, but his wife aided in its completion. Alexander's writing had an intellect and elegance I have so enjoyed. This is not fast paced suspense and I knew who was behind the death, but that did not diminish my enjoyment. It is a clever puzzle I enjoyed watching unfold, the sense of time and place is exceptional, and I appreciated that there was a resolution of the main characters. I very much enjoyed this book and series, and shall miss Mr. Alexander's lovely writing....more

Bruce Alexander (aka Bruce Cook)'s Sir John Fielding mystery series was marvelous while it lasted. "Rules of Engagement" is the final entry in the series, completed from notes after Alexander's death. That shows, too. It's not bad, by any means, but the point of demarcation when a new author takes over is pretty clear. The plot has a British lord dying in mysterious fashion--leaping off a bridge into the Thames after a display of bizarre gesticulations, and dying because he can't swim--and the sBruce Alexander (aka Bruce Cook)'s Sir John Fielding mystery series was marvelous while it lasted. "Rules of Engagement" is the final entry in the series, completed from notes after Alexander's death. That shows, too. It's not bad, by any means, but the point of demarcation when a new author takes over is pretty clear. The plot has a British lord dying in mysterious fashion--leaping off a bridge into the Thames after a display of bizarre gesticulations, and dying because he can't swim--and the subsequent investigation as to whether it could have been suicide, foul play, or some other reason. The fact that Joseph Mesmer and his work is introduced early on in the narrative rather diminishes the suspense, but it doesn't ruin the eventual denouement. Things do get a bit melodramatic toward the end (when other hands took over), but the characters remain true and involving, particularly the weakening Fielding and his young acolyte Jeremy Proctor, who in this volume is on the verge of getting married, at the ripe old age of 17. This is not the best book in the Fielding series, but neither is it an unfitting valedictory. ...more

This is the final Sir John Fielding historical mystery in which the subject of hypnotism and "Mesmerism" is investigated as a means to murder, when a member of Parliament jumps from Westminster Bridge into the Thames in front of a dozen witnesses, one of them being Annie Oakum, former cook of the Fielding household. It was obvious that the man jumped himself--no one pushed him--and it was known that he could not swim, but why would he jump?

The mystery itself wasn't much of a mystery in this oneThis is the final Sir John Fielding historical mystery in which the subject of hypnotism and "Mesmerism" is investigated as a means to murder, when a member of Parliament jumps from Westminster Bridge into the Thames in front of a dozen witnesses, one of them being Annie Oakum, former cook of the Fielding household. It was obvious that the man jumped himself--no one pushed him--and it was known that he could not swim, but why would he jump?

The mystery itself wasn't much of a mystery in this one, but many threads in the personal lives of the characters were tied together as Jeremy (who tells the stories) and Clarissa prepare for their nuptials. The ending was a bit anticlimactic, but due to the author's untimely death, the last few chapters were written by his wife with the help of another author. I shall greatly miss having more adventures of Jeremy and Sir John to read about, but at least I can always go back and visit them when the spirit moves me....more

I'm so sad that this was the last book in the series, but it was a fitting conclusion to a terrific set of books. Alexander had such a fine way of incorporating research seamlessly into his novels. They have a strong 18th century flavor, meshing accurate period detail with a terrific story. A rare gift.

This one centers on a crackling mystery, with Jeremy & Clarissa's engagement and adulthood as "background." Throughout this series, it's been fascinating to watch these two characters grow up. It'I'm so sad that this was the last book in the series, but it was a fitting conclusion to a terrific set of books. Alexander had such a fine way of incorporating research seamlessly into his novels. They have a strong 18th century flavor, meshing accurate period detail with a terrific story. A rare gift.

This one centers on a crackling mystery, with Jeremy & Clarissa's engagement and adulthood as "background." Throughout this series, it's been fascinating to watch these two characters grow up. It's also been fascinating to watch as the modern police force and methods of legal procedure are developed. The mixture of fact and fiction here is also compelling. The mystery involves 18th century scientific discoveries, too, including the appearance of mesmerism, which ultimately helps Sir John solve the mystery.

Considering this was written after the author's death, by his widow and John Shannon, I could have given it five stars but for the predictability.

Sir John, the Blind Beak of Bow Street, in 1775, is visited by the Lord Chief Justice, with an unexplained suicide -- or death. Jeremy, Sir John's young, somewhat rash amanuensis, is a privy to all the information. And he is in love with Clarissa -- that's sweet but inconsequential.

It was NOT clear to me that Sir John was blind until about halfway thruConsidering this was written after the author's death, by his widow and John Shannon, I could have given it five stars but for the predictability.

Sir John, the Blind Beak of Bow Street, in 1775, is visited by the Lord Chief Justice, with an unexplained suicide -- or death. Jeremy, Sir John's young, somewhat rash amanuensis, is a privy to all the information. And he is in love with Clarissa -- that's sweet but inconsequential.

It was NOT clear to me that Sir John was blind until about halfway thru the book; was I distracted? It was clear to me who the villain(s) were from the beginning, but how to catch them?!! How?? Sir John relentlessly pursued the killer / killers (I won't give it away) through the tiny details and happenstances, not at all impatient with Jeremy, who grew somewhat through the process, and friends with the gentlefolk of English society. A good read. ...more

Sad to realize this is the eleventh and final book in the series. In his final case, blind London judge Sir John Fielding, and his trusted sidekick Jeremy Proctor, investigate the supposed suicide of the Fielding's old friend, Lord Francis Lammermoor. The story line is fabulous as Jeremy is a sort of Watson looking back from near the end of the century writing about his salad days as a clerk sleuthing for his employer and mentor. Sir John and Jeremy remain true to their personalities from previoSad to realize this is the eleventh and final book in the series. In his final case, blind London judge Sir John Fielding, and his trusted sidekick Jeremy Proctor, investigate the supposed suicide of the Fielding's old friend, Lord Francis Lammermoor. The story line is fabulous as Jeremy is a sort of Watson looking back from near the end of the century writing about his salad days as a clerk sleuthing for his employer and mentor. Sir John and Jeremy remain true to their personalities from previous tales and the mystery of Lord Francis' death is cleverly designed. ...more

This is the final installment in the Sir John Fielding novel series. Though the author, Bruce Alexander, had passed away prior to its publication, I was pleased that his wife took it upon herself to flush out the novel so that it could be published. I have to say that this is one of the best in the series and I appreciated that we could wind up the story of Jeremy Proctor and Clarissa Roundtree as well as their time with the Fieldings. I almost wish that we could have more time with these characThis is the final installment in the Sir John Fielding novel series. Though the author, Bruce Alexander, had passed away prior to its publication, I was pleased that his wife took it upon herself to flush out the novel so that it could be published. I have to say that this is one of the best in the series and I appreciated that we could wind up the story of Jeremy Proctor and Clarissa Roundtree as well as their time with the Fieldings. I almost wish that we could have more time with these characters as I really great cash to them. But of course all things must come to an end....more

After Bruce Alexander's untimely death, his wife and author John Shannon finished getting this book, which was virtually complete, ready for publication. Their additions to the text are generally in parentheses. It is a worthy successor to all the other books in the series, but, very sadly, it is the last. We will never know more of the adventures of the humane blind magistrate and his young assistant Jeremy, now grown to manhood at least by 18th century standards.

I never loved this historical mystery series, but I did like it. In this, the final volume due to the author's death, the book was completed by other hands--and it shows. The ending becomes quite slap dash with trying to crowd in everyone of importance who's shown up in the series and, of all things, a "wagon" chase. It's the 1760s so we can't have a car chase.

Some people seem to think this was a satisfying conclusion to the series, but I just found it sad and second-rate.

What a wonderful finish! Sorry to see the tale end. "Filled with Alexander's richly textured depictions of eighteenth-century London, and with a vibrant cast of characters as vivid and sharp-witted as a Hogarth sketch, Rules of Engagement is a brilliant conclusion to a splendid series!" Alexander died in 2003, he had completed most of this book. His wife Judith, and author John Shannon completed the novel.

Last in the series. Probably not as good as the rest of the series due to the fact that the author died before finishing and left notes for another author to complete the novel. You can sort of tell where things start to feel different.

I started to read this book and then I misplaced it for about half a year. Turns out that it fell in between the sofa cushions.

really liked this one - unfortunately the last one, but ended the series on a good note. i would have loved to see what happened after jeremy was married and how he continued to mature and grow in his learning of the law. it was also 1775 at the end and it would have been interesting to see how things changed after 1776 - a big year, politically.

I know I have read something else in this series, and enjoyed it more. The characters are lightly sketched in, depending on the reader to be familiar with them already. The narrator is like Watson to the detective's Holmes, only not as consistent a voice. The series is probably worthwhile for fans of Sherlock Holmes-style mysteries, but start at the beginning.

The suicide of a lord happens at the same time a hypnotism specialist arrives in London--a man patronized by the lord's beautiful wife. It's a coincidence the blind Sir John Fielding can't fail to notice. Older language might put some off, and some of the plot was pretty predictable, but a good clean listen nonetheless.

Another Sir John Fielding mystery - Jeremy is older now, and is confronted with a series of bizarre deaths in London. Mesmer's new theory of 'animal magnetism' and hypnotism are discussed here, and have something to do with the mystery.

This was a great series. Not only were the mysteries entertaining, but they were historicallyaccurate and made that period of British history come alive. I'm saddened that through Alexander's death the series has ended.

This story started out ok, but got worse as it went along. Like many of the other reviews, it shows that Mr. Alexander did NOT finish this story. I threw this book in the garbage...shows how disappointing it was.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Bruce Alexander Cook (1932–2003) was an American journalist and author who wrote under the pseudonym Bruce Alexander, creating historical novels about a blind 18th century Englishman and also a 20th century Mexican-American detective.Pseudonym of American journalist and author Bruce Cook.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Bruce Alexander Cook (1932–2003) was an American journalist and author who wrote under the pseudonym Bruce Alexander, creating historical novels about a blind 18th century Englishman and also a 20th century Mexican-American detective....more